This week, the Port of Milford Haven and Milford Youth Matters renewed their long-running partnership for the ninth year.

The Port of Milford Haven and Milford Youth Matters have developed multiple initiatives to positively engage with young people, helping to develop their skills and confidence and prepare them for a lifetime of opportunities.

The charity serves a youth population of over 2,500 in a community which has three distinct wards of multiple deprivation.

One of its most popular initiatives is the multi-award winning ‘Under the Bridge’ project which attracted 217 young people in 2024 and is set to attract greater numbers in 2025 with new activities being planned.

The project uses detached youthwork methodology to provide fun, engaging and positive organised activities in areas where young people regularly congregate. It was initially established to tackle anti-social behaviour around Milford Waterfront in a positive and proactive manner, but has grown over the years to deliver so much more. Young people are not only able to attend the activities, but can also plan, volunteer and work at multiple events organised by the charity, developing their professional and soft skills.

Thanks to the Port’s funding, Milford Youth Matters was also able to continue its ‘Winter Warmers’ initiative this winter, providing hot meals and cookery training to young people.

Other supported events include the annual Milford Youth Matters versus Port Staff football match, Christmas Dinner for young people and their families, and the development of an Academy to provide education and paid jobs to individuals wanting to build professional skills.

Emily Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We are thrilled to be renewing our partnership with Milford Youth Matters. As a Trust Port we support many local causes, and we’re delighted to see this partnership already making a tangible difference to young people’s lives in the local community.

“The return of popular events like Under the Bridge and the introduction of the Milford Youth Matters Academy, offering real-life employment opportunities, training and development for young people aged 16+, is another great step towards a bright future for our local youth.”

Dayle Gibby, Coordinator of Milford Youth Matters, said: “A massive thank you to the Port of Milford Haven for their continued support for Milford Youth Matters, as we enter another year of our long-standing partnership. By working together, we can share both physical resources and expertise to ensure the best opportunities are available for young people and our whole community.”